3. Day Amsterdam

3. Day Amsterdam

A bit earlier than usual for breakfast and then into our shoes, heading across the campsite towards the ferry to get back to the city side. At this campsite, the love of my life once camped during school days. The then still unknown KELLY FAMILY also parked their big bus there. In the evening, there was also an “outdoor and free” concert by the family.

The crossing didn’t take very long, and we were a bit closer to NEMO than if we had crossed to the main train station. Somehow, the way there reminded me of Karlsruhe: construction everywhere and lots of barriers on the way to NEMO. Happy to have arrived, we first had espresso and water on the museum’s rooftop terrace. Great view – even when it rained briefly. Then we dived into the fun and the hustle with many kids. Accordingly, it was quite loud. We experienced and learned many things – when it came to nutrition, we were often off the mark. Not to mention Coca-Cola.

We tried out quite a few things and watched what other visitors were testing. At some point, it really became too crowded for me, and I preferred to get some fresh air. So we made our way to the next adventure. Somewhere to eat a snack, have something to drink, and we should move on. A spot by a gracht just opened up, and we decided to grab a bite. It was tasty, enough for the rest of the day. Yesterday during the canal tour, there was a tip for the WILLET-HOLTHUYSEN museum. Here, you could also admire a garden next to the canal house. It wasn’t far, and we were able to visit without many other visitors. For those who don't find museums so exciting: it's really worth getting an
insight into life around the year 1800. The garden is beautifully laid out – but the house offers insights that I would have never had otherwise. From the scullery to the replicated kitchen area, to the dining room with beautiful dishes, to the pictures in the respective rooms – simply worth seeing and hearing. The audio guide is included with the entrance fee.

Still very warm, we took an espresso break near the RIJKSMUSEUM, strolled past the luxury boutiques on PC Hooftstraat, and further into VONDELPARK. From there, we took the tram to the center, as we had bought a 24-hour ticket after all. Through KALVERSTRAAT towards the main train station and onward to the ferry. Unfortunately, we didn’t pay attention and ended up on the ship to the old NDSM- shipyard. It wasn't such a big deal – we had no appointments. So we went back to the main train station to catch the right ferry. We were not the only confused ones. A family with two kids made the same mistake and were also heading back.

Finally arriving on the north side, we enjoyed a delicious dinner right at the quay at POLLY GOUDVISCH and finished with a tiramisu and a cream with (too) sweet peach puree. Right next door, the shuttle bus to the hotel was conveniently waiting, and we gladly made use of it.

Thus, we were back at the NH-HOTEL faster than expected, to enjoy one last drink in the garden.

It was an interesting and relaxing days in Amsterdam, which I hope not only I could enjoy. A lively city with many corners where one can truly relax.

See you soon!